Teaching and Education Degrees to Launch Your Career

These competencies can help prepare graduates to foster welcoming, effective and innovative learning environments.

Earning a degree in teaching doesn't have to be confusing. Find answers to your most frequently asked questions regarding GCU’s teaching education programs. 

To become a teacher, you generally start by earning a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, followed by a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching opportunities.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Afterward, you’ll need to obtain state certification or licensure, which often involves passing exams.^{(See disclaimer 3)} 

Requirements can vary based on the grade level you wish to teach, as well as by state, so it's important to research specific guidelines. Ongoing professional development, such as continuing education courses, workshops or additional certifications can further enhance your skills and opportunities. 

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The time it takes to earn a teaching degree can vary based on the program you choose and your enrollment status. Undergraduate and graduate pathways are available, with flexible options designed to fit different schedules and goals.

An education degree can prepare you with the tools and skills to work with young learners or adult students, whether inside the classroom, in an administrative role or other education-related fields.^{(See disclaimer 4)} As you complete your degree in education, you may find many aspects of education that interest you. 

An education degree can teach you communication and management skills to work toward pursuing opportunities in education, learning and development or training opportunities.   

As of Oct. 3, 2022, Arizona allows those without a bachelor’s degree to start training as a teacher if they are enrolled in college and are supervised by a licensed teacher.^{(See disclaimer 5)} This provides future educators an opportunity to complete their training while also finishing their degree. It’s important to remember this opportunity may vary by state. Be sure to check the state laws where you plan to teach. To become a fully certified teacher in Arizona, you will need a bachelor’s degree, a passing score on a standardized test and complete (or be enrolled in) a teacher preparation program.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Depending on your state’s requirements and the certification programs they offer, some schools may hire you without a formal teaching degree, especially if you have a degree in the subject you will be teaching.^{(See disclaimer 6)} Furthermore, you may be able to earn an alternative teaching certification if you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject. If you live in Arizona, you may qualify for the Canyon L.E.A.P. pathway. 

For state-specific information, be sure to check your state’s teacher certification requirements.

A doctorate in education (EdD or PhD) is an advanced degree designed to equip educators and administrators with the skills needed to lead, innovate and conduct research in diverse educational settings. The EdD programs at GCU emphasize practical applications for leadership roles, while PhD programs typically focus more on research and theory for academic positions. Both require coursework, exams and a dissertation to help you enhance your educational practices. 

Online^{(See disclaimer 2 )}teaching degrees are respected when they are earned from an accredited university, since they meet academic standards similar to traditional programs. Employers often evaluate accreditation and licensure eligibility regardless of the format through which the degree was earned. 

It is possible to become a teacher without a degree in education. Some states offer alternative certification pathways, which may require a bachelor’s degree and completion of an approved preparation program.

The difference between an MAT and an MEd is that a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) often focuses on initial licensure and classroom practice, while a Master of Education (MEd) may emphasize leadership, curriculum or specialized instruction.

An online^{(See disclaimer 2)} education degree is an academic program that is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, instructional support or educational leadership through primarily online coursework. These programs combine foundational education theory, instructional methods and subject-specific training with practical field experiences such as student teaching or classroom observation.

Online^{(See disclaimer 2)} education degrees are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and graduate certificate levels. Depending on the program, students may pursue initial teacher licensure, advanced endorsements or leadership roles in education.

The length of GCU teaching programs vary based on the degree level, enrollment status and individual pace.

• Bachelor’s programs are designed to be completed over several years of full-time study.
• Master’s programs typically require a shorter, more focused course of study beyond the bachelor’s level.
• Doctoral programs involve advanced coursework and research, including completion of a dissertation.
• Graduate certificates generally require fewer courses than a full degree program.

Actual completion time depends on transfer credits, course load and how quickly you progress through the program.